Islamabad admin reimposes 8 pm market closure under austerity measures

The Islamabad administration has reimposed revised business operating hours under ongoing austerity measures, requiring markets, shops and shopping malls across the capital to close at 8 pm from June 1.

According to a notification issued by the Office of the District Magistrate, Islamabad Capital Territory, the order partially modifies an earlier notification issued on May 18, 2026, and reinforces energy conservation measures already in place.

Under the revised schedule, all shops, markets and shopping malls will close at 8 pm throughout the week, including Saturdays and Sundays.

Restaurants, food outlets, tandoors, grocery stores, kiryana stores, meat shops, fruit and dry fruit shops, vegetable vendors and bakeries will be required to close at 10 pm. However, takeaway and home delivery services will remain exempt from the restrictions.

The notification also directs marriage halls, marquees and other commercial venues hosting events to close by 10 pm. The same closing time will apply to functions held at private residences.

Several sectors have been exempted from the restrictions, including pharmacies, medical stores, medical supply outlets, laboratories, hospitals, petrol pumps, CNG stations, milk and dairy shops, sports facilities, gyms, padel courts, call centres and IT companies serving international clients.

In a statement posted on X, DC Islamabad said the district administration had enforced the revised operating hours under ongoing austerity measures with effect from June 1, 2026.

The administration said markets, shops and shopping malls would close at 8 pm, while restaurants, grocery stores, bakeries and other food outlets would be allowed to operate until 10 pm. Marriage halls, marquees and other event venues would also be subject to the 10pm closing deadline.

The notification states that the revised timings will remain in force until further orders.